Stories have a deep influence in our lives. We remember stories from our childhood that form our identities and influence what we think and do today. We watch the news and have conversations because we want to know the story. Stories also shape the society in which we live.
One of the recurring stories in our society is one of purification. If we can just get rid on “those troublemakers” then we would be so much better off. If we could get rid of those liberals or those conservatives then life would be good. If we could get rid of those immigrants then things would be more like what we used to have. If we could get rid of gay people then life would be “normal”. If we just leave that liberal United Methodist Church then we would be true followers of Jesus.
History has shown that purification as a cultural story doesn’t work. There are always going to be a variety of people with a variety of thoughts and lifestyles. Jesus had a different way of looking at differences. He would hang around with people who were different. He loved people who were different and told us to do the same. I think it is better to listen to the story of Jesus.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26